Factors associated with the health care utilization of homeless persons.

Abstract

Homeless persons face numerous barriers to receiving appropriate health care. Prior research has documented that homeless persons have high rates of physical illness, mental illness, substance abuse,^1-3 and early mortality.^4-7 They are more likely to be admitted to the hospital⁸ and to have increased length of hospitalization⁹ and may present a substantial burden on the resources of safety-net hospitals and clinics.¹⁰ Despite having a higher burden of illness, homeless persons have fewer encounters with ambulatory care than nonhomeless persons.¹¹ For homeless persons, health care competes with more immediate needs, such as obtaining adequate food and shelter.¹² However, given the opportunity, homeless persons are willing to obtain health care for chronic conditions if they believe such care to be important.¹³